Since 1978 Simon Fanshawehas combined the careers of broadcaster, writer and award winning comedian with that of a social activist and Board member. He has exceptional skills of presentation, chairing and strategic thinking. He operates in the public domain as a provocateur and opinion former. He operates in the private and charity sphere as a Board director.
Is it possible to be satirical today? with Simon Fanshawe and Tim Black
Image Above: Scene from Yes Minister, a British comedy series about the wheeling and dealing of political life.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Without satire, are comedians forced to the ‘edge’ of taste in order to make an impact?
It seems that the closest we come to political satire is to go through the motions of monotonously and superficially asserting the tired cultural norm of cynicism towards authority.
The demand for a new satire continues to go unsatisfied. Has it's chances of resurrection been irreparably damaged by new laws governing offence and the more insidious cultural unwillingness to upset anyone?
Is the upsurge of participation in stand-up comedy a new opportunity for satire to emerge? Finally, when the content of comedy seems all 'observational' and sketch based, we should ask 'What happened to the joke?"
The panellists will be Tim Black from Spiked-online and Simon Fanshawe, writer, broadcaster, comedian and activist. The discussion will set out to encourage contributions from the audience and it will be chaired by the Brighton Salon’s Sean Bell.
Suggested Readings by Brighton Salon associates
Anna Travis - Social critique by stealth: why a subversive heart supplies the veins of all good comedy
Simon Fanshawe - "Yeah Shorty I'm Laughing at You"
Tim Black - "So when will it be OK to mock Obama?"
Speaker
Speaker
Chair
Sean is a founder member of The Brighton Salon and a journalist who formerly worked in the local press industry and on the magazines Computing and Campaign. Sean has written dozens of reviews of salon events and occasionally contributes to other publications. He has been involved with many and various political and cultural campaigns for many years.
Sean writes freelance about the relationship between journalism the public and runs an editing and proofing company. He also organises activities for The Brighton Salon as its secretary.